Alpha Chi Omega was founded on October 15, 1885, at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Professor James Hamilton Howe, Dean of the Music School, invited seven young women from the school to attend a meeting for the purpose of forming a society. The first appearance of the seven founders - Anna Allen, Olive Burnett, Bertha Deniston, Amy DuBois, Nellie Gamble, Bessie Grooms and Estelle Leonard was in Meharry Hall, wearing scarlet and olive green ribbon streamers attached to their dresses. Alpha Chi Omega's Founders chose "Alpha," the first letter of the Greek alphabet, because they were forming the first fraternity in the school of music. Since they thought they might also be founding the last such fraternity, "Omega" seemed appropriate. "Kai," meaning "and" later becoming "Chi" was added to form the beginning and the end.

Our flower is the red carnation, which represents our colors scarlet red, and olive green. The golden lyre pin is the official member badge of Alpha Chi Omega, with crown-set pearls inscribed with our letters. The lyre was chosen as mascot, as it was the first instrument played on Mt. Olympus by the Greek Gods and Goddesses.

Members of Alpha Chi Omega encourage the spirit of true sisterhood, and are invited to membership based on five standards: academic interest, character, financial responsibility, leadership ability, and personal development.